Let's Focus on the Changing Jewish Family!

The "changing Jewish family" is just that, families that are constantly changing! The family consisting of a mom & dad, 2.4 children, a dog ...and goldfish is still part of our Jewish community, but in a smaller percentage of the whole than before.

Members of changing Jewish families want to belong to congregations and feel welcomed as part of the Jewish community. They can be older, younger, with children and without. We all have a need to belong and feel a "kesher," a connection.

The Committee on the Changing Jewish Family seeks to respond to these concerns. In Isaiah (Isaiah 56:7), it is written, "Let my house be a house of prayer for all people." So may our synagogues be for all Jews.

• Mission-- Committee on the Changing Jewish Family

• A Focusing Exercise and Questionnaire

• For Congregations:
• Greeting from the Committee on the Changing Jewish Family
• Creating Rituals and Celebrations for the Changing Jewish Family
• Creating Your own Committee on the Changing Jewish Family
• Members of the Committee

• Eighteen Little Things Project:
• 18 Little Ways to Honor Our Elders
• 18 Little Things You Can Do to Welcome Our Singles
• 18 Little Things to Make Gays/Lesbians Feel Welcome in Your Congregation
• 18 Little Things You Can Do to Prepare for the High Holidays
• 18 Little Things You Can Do to Prepare for Shabbat

Committee on the Changing Jewish Family -- Mission

• Support, strengthen and enrich the lives of individuals and family units within our synagogues.

• Respond proactively to the changing needs of congregational membership through research, programs, staff training, and support servies.

• Sensitize synagogues to the needs of the traditional nuclear family as well as non-traditional constituencies.

• Promote the appreciation of diverse family configurations and encourage inclusion in membership practices.

For information about the Committee on the Changing Family and how your congregation can receive assistance contact Arlene Chernow, Achernow@la.uahc.org, staff, or Paula Horn Ungar, chairperson for the Pacific Southwest Council.

 Committee on the Changing Jewish Family
UAHC Pacific Southwest Council
6300 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1730
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(213) 653-9962
Contact Arlene Chernow, Achernow@la.uahc.org